Row unit for a seed-planting implement having a furrow depth adjustment system

ABSTRACT

A row unit for a seed-planting implement includes a frame, a gauge wheel arm pivotably coupled to the frame and a gauge wheel rotatably coupled to the gauge wheel arm. Additionally, the row unit includes a wobble bracket configured to engage the gauge wheel arm and a linkage arm coupled to the wobble bracket. Moreover, the row unit includes an actuator, a gearbox coupled to the actuator, a threaded shaft coupled to the gearbox, and a handle coupled to the threaded shaft. In addition, the row unit includes an actuation assembly such that the actuation assembly transmits rotation of the threaded shaft into linear motion of the linkage arm. The actuation assembly includes a hook arm having a first end forming a hook that directly couples to the linkage arm. Furthermore, the actuation assembly includes a collar threadingly coupled to the threaded shaft.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to seed-planting implementsand, more particularly, to a row unit for a seed-planting implementhaving a furrow depth adjustment system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern farming practices strive to increase yields of agriculturalfields. In this respect, seed-planting implements are towed behind atractor or other agricultural vehicle to disperse seed throughout afield. For example, seed-planting implements typically include one ormore furrow-forming tools or openers that excavate a furrow or trench inthe soil. One or more dispensing devices of the seed-planting implementsmay, in turn, deposit the seeds into the furrow(s). After deposition ofthe seeds, a closing assembly may close the furrow in the soil, such asby pushing the excavated soil into the furrow.

The desired depth of the furrow can vary depending on various parametersassociated with the field. For example, the desired depth of the furrowvaries depending on the soil moisture content of the field. In thisrespect, furrow depth adjustment systems for seed-planting implementshave been developed. While such systems work well, further improvementsare needed.

Accordingly, an improved furrow depth adjustment system for aseed-planting implement would be welcomed in the technology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the technology will be set forth in part inthe following description, or may be obvious from the description, ormay be learned through practice of the technology.

In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a row unit fora seed-planting implement. The row unit includes a frame and a diskopener rotatably coupled to the frame, with the disk opener configuredto form a furrow within a field across which the seed-planting implementis traveling. Furthermore, the row unit includes a gauge wheel armpivotably coupled to the frame and a gauge wheel rotatably coupled tothe gauge wheel arm, with the gauge wheel configured to roll along asurface of the field. Additionally, the row unit includes a wobblebracket configured to engage the gauge wheel arm and a linkage armcoupled to the wobble bracket. Moreover, the row unit includes anactuator configured to move the linkage arm relative to the frame in amanner that adjusts a position of the gauge wheel relative to the frame,a gearbox coupled to the actuator, and a threaded shaft coupled to thegearbox. In addition, the row unit includes a handle coupled to thelinkage arm. Furthermore, the row unit includes an actuation assemblycoupled between the linkage arm and the threaded shaft such that theactuation assembly transmits rotation of the threaded shaft into linearmotion of the linkage arm. The actuation assembly, in turn, includes ahook arm having a first end and a second end opposed to the first end,with the first end forming a hook that directly couples to the linkagearm and the second end is pivotable relative to the frame. Additionally,the actuation assembly includes a collar threadingly coupled to thethreaded shaft.

In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to aseed-planting implement. The seed-planting implement includes a toolbarand a plurality of row units coupled to the toolbar. Each row unitincludes a frame and a disk opener rotatably coupled to the frame, withthe disk opener configured to form a furrow within a field across whichthe seed-planting implement is traveling. Furthermore, each row unitincludes a gauge wheel arm pivotably coupled to the frame and a gaugewheel rotatably coupled to the gauge wheel arm, with the gauge wheelconfigured to roll along a surface of the field. Additionally, each rowunit includes a wobble bracket configured to engage the gauge wheel armand a linkage arm coupled to the wobble bracket. Moreover, each row unitincludes an actuator configured to move the linkage arm relative to theframe in a manner that adjusts a position of the gauge wheel relative tothe frame, a gearbox coupled to the actuator, and a threaded shaftcoupled to the gearbox. In addition, each row unit includes a handlecoupled to the linkage arm. Furthermore, each row unit includes anactuation assembly coupled between the linkage arm and the threadedshaft such that the actuation assembly transmits rotation of thethreaded shaft into linear motion of the linkage arm. The actuationassembly, in turn, includes a hook arm having a first end and a secondend opposed to the first end, with the first end forming a hook thatdirectly couples to the linkage arm and the second end is pivotablerelative to the frame. Additionally, the actuation assembly includes acollar threadingly coupled to the threaded shaft.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presenttechnology will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the technology and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present technology, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of aseed-planting in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a row unitfor a seed-planting in accordance with aspects of the present subjectmatter;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial, front view of one embodiment of a row unitfor a seed-planting implement in accordance with aspects of the presentsubject matter, particularly illustrating a pair of gauge wheel arms ofthe row unit;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of arow unit for a seed-planting implement in accordance with aspects of thepresent subject matter, particularly illustrating one embodiment of afurrow depth adjustment system of the row unit;

FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of oneembodiment of a row unit for a seed-planting implement in accordancewith aspects of the present subject matter, further illustrating theembodiment of the furrow depth adjustment system shown in FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial top view of the embodiment of a furrowdepth adjustment system shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , particularlyillustrating a hook arm directly coupled to a linkage arm;

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the furrow depthadjustment system shown in FIGS. 4-6 , particularly illustrating acollar threadingly engaged with a threaded shaft;

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the furrow depthadjustment system shown in FIGS. 4-7 , particularly illustrating athreaded shaft extending through handle that engages a depth-settingregister defined by a frame of the row unit;

FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of oneembodiment of a row unit for a seed-planting implement in accordancewith aspects of the present subject matter, further illustrating anotherembodiment of the furrow depth adjustment system;

FIG. 10 illustrates an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of oneembodiment of a row unit for a seed-planting implement in accordancewith aspects of the present subject matter, further illustrating yetanother embodiment of the furrow depth adjustment system; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the furrow depthadjustment system shown in FIG. 10 , particularly illustrating athreaded shaft extending through a depth-setting register defined by aframe of the row unit separately from a handle thereof.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification anddrawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features orelements of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

In general, the present subject matter is directed to a row unit for aseed-planting implement having a furrow depth adjustment system. Morespecifically, the row unit includes a frame and one or more disk openersrotatably coupled to the frame. Furthermore, the row unit includes oneor more gauge wheels pivotably coupled to the frame via an associatedgauge wheel arm(s). In this respect, as the seed-planting implementtravels across the field, the disk opener(s) forms a furrow in the soil,while the gauge wheel(s) rolls along the surface and the field. Thepositioning of the gauge wheel(s) relative to the frame sets the depthof the furrow.

The furrow depth adjustment system includes various components thatfacilitate pivoting of the gauge wheel arm(s) relative to the frame,thereby allowing for adjustment of the furrow depth. Specifically, inseveral embodiments, the furrow depth adjustment system includes awobble bracket configured to engage the gauge wheel arm(s) and a linkagearm coupled to the wobble bracket. For example, in one embodiment, thelinkage arm includes a first side wall member, a second side wall memberspaced apart from the first side wall member in a wide-wise direction,and a connection rod coupled between the first and second side wallmembers. Additionally, the furrow depth adjustment system includes anactuator (e.g., an electric motor), a gearbox coupled to the actuator,and a threaded shaft coupled to the gearbox. Furthermore, a handle isindirectly coupled to the linkage arm (e.g., via the threaded shaft orseparately from the threaded shaft via a support member) and may beconfigured to engage a depth-setting register defined by the frame toallow for manual furrow depth adjustments (e.g., by the operator). Inone embodiment, the actuator and gearbox may be supported adjacent tothe handle.

Moreover, an actuation assembly is coupled between the threaded shaftand the linkage arm. In general, the actuation assembly is configured totransmit rotation of the threaded shaft into linear motion of thelinkage arm. In this respect, the actuation assembly includes a hook armand a collar. More specifically, a hook at a first end of the hook armdirectly couples to the linkage arm. For example, the hook may directlycouple to the connection rod of the linkage arm by wrapping around aportion of the outer surface of the connection rod. Conversely, anopposed, second end of the hook arm is pivotably coupled to the supportmember, which, in turn, is coupled to the frame. Additionally, thecollar is threadingly coupled to the threaded shaft. In someembodiments, an actuation arm is pivotably coupled to the hook arm andthe collar.

In operation, the furrow depth adjustment system is configured to adjustthe depth of the furrow being formed by the row unit. More specifically,to make large adjustments to the furrow depth, the operator manuallymoves the handle relative to the depth-setting register. Such movementof the handle causes the support member and the hook arm to pivotrelative to the frame. The pivoting of the hook arm, in turn, causeslinear movement of the linkage arm and the wobble bracket. Such movementof the wobble bracket pivots the gauge wheel arm(s) relative to theframe, thereby adjusting the position of the gauge wheel(s) relative tothe frame. Furthermore, to make a small adjustment to the furrow depth,the actuator is operated to rotate the threaded shaft via the gearbox.Such rotation causes the collar to move along the length of the threadedshaft such that the actuation arm pivots the hook arm relative to theframe. As described above, the pivoting of the hook arm ultimatelyadjusts the position of the gauge wheel(s) relative to the frame. Thus,large furrow depth adjustments can be made manually by the handle, whilesmall furrow depth adjustments can be made automatically by theactuator.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view ofone embodiment of a seed-planting implement 10 in accordance withaspects of the present subject matter. In the illustrated embodiment,the seed-planting implement 10 is configured as a planter. However, inalternative embodiments, the seed-planting implement 10 may generallycorrespond to any suitable seed-planting equipment or implement, such asseeder or another seed-dispensing implement.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the seed-planting implement 10 includes a tow bar12. In general, the tow bar 12 is configured to couple to a tractor orother agricultural vehicle (not shown), such as via a suitable hitchassembly (not shown). In this respect, the tractor may tow theseed-planting implement 10 across a field in a direction of travel(indicated by arrow 14) to perform a seed-planting operation on thefield.

Furthermore, the seed-planting implement 10 includes a toolbar 16coupled to an aft end of the tow bar 12. More specifically, the toolbar16 is configured to support and/or couple to one or more components ofthe seed-planting implement 10. For example, the toolbar 16 isconfigured to support a plurality of seed-planting units or row units100. As will be described below, each row unit 100 is configured to forma furrow having a desired depth within the soil of a field. Thereafter,each row unit 100 deposit seeds within the corresponding furrow andsubsequently closes the corresponding furrow after the seeds have beendeposited, thereby establishing rows of planted seeds.

In general, the seed-planting implement 10 may include any number of rowunits 100. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the seed-plantingimplement 10 includes sixteen row units 100 coupled to the toolbar 16.However, in other embodiments, the seed-planting implement 10 mayinclude six, eight, twelve, twenty-four, thirty-two, or thirty-six rowunits 100.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the seed-planting implement 10includes a pneumatic distribution system 18. In general, the pneumaticdistribution system 18 is configured to distribute seeds from a bulkstorage tank (not shown) to the individual row units 100. As such, thepneumatic distribution system 18 may include a fan or other pressurizedair source 20 and a plurality of seed conduits 22 extending between thefan 20 and the row units 100. In this respect, the pressurized airgenerated by the fan 20 conveys the seeds from the bulk storage tankthrough the seed conduits 22 to the individual row units 100. However,the seeds may be provided to the row units 100 in any other suitablemanner.

It should be further appreciated that the configuration of theseed-planting implement 10 described above and shown in FIG. 1 isprovided only to place the present subject matter in an exemplary fieldof use. Thus, it should be appreciated that the present subject mattermay be readily adaptable to any manner of seed-planting implementconfiguration.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , a perspective view of one embodiment of a rowunit 100 for a seed-planting implement is illustrated in accordance withaspects of the present subject matter. In general, the row unit 100 willbe described herein with reference to the seed-planting implement 10described above with reference to FIG. 1 . However, it should beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed rowunit 100 may generally be utilized with seed-planting implements havingany other suitable implement configuration.

As shown, the row unit 100 may include a frame 102 adjustably coupled tothe toolbar 16 by upper and lower links 104, 106. For example, one endof each link 104, 106 may be pivotably coupled to the frame 102 of therow unit 100. Conversely, an opposed end of each link 104, 106 may bepivotably coupled to the toolbar 16. As such, the links 104, 106 mayallow for adjustment of the vertical position of the row unit 100relative to the toolbar 16. However, in alternative embodiments, the rowunit 100 may be coupled to the toolbar 16 in any other suitable manner.

Moreover, the row unit 100 includes one or more disk openers 108rotatably coupled to the frame 102. In general, the disk opener(s) 108is configured to form a furrow within a field across which theseed-planting implement 10 is traveling. For example, the disk opener(s)108 penetrates into the soil of the field to a desired furrow depth androtates relative to the soil as the seed-planting implement 10 movesacross the field in the direction of travel 14, thereby forming afurrow.

In addition, the row unit 100 includes one or more gauge wheels 110adjustably coupled to the frame 102 via a gauge wheel arm(s) 112. Ingeneral, the gauge wheel(s) 110 is configured to set the penetrationdepth of the disk opener(s) 108. More specifically, as the seed-plantingimplement 10 moves across the field in the direction of travel 14, thegauge wheel(s) 110 rolls along the surface of the field. In thisrespect, the positioning of the gauge wheel(s) 110 relative to the frame102 sets the depth to which the disk opener(s) 108 penetrate the soiland, thus, the depth of the furrow being formed by the row unit 100.

In several embodiments, the gauge wheel(s) 110 may be rotatably coupledto the gauge wheel arm(s) 112, with the gauge wheel arm(s) 112 beingpivotably coupled to the frame 102. For example, in one embodiment, eachgauge wheel arm 112 includes a lower arm portion 114 pivotably coupledto the frame 102 at one end thereof via a corresponding pivot joint 118.Furthermore, each gauge wheel 110 is rotatably coupled to the lower armportion 114 of one of the gauge wheel arms 112 at an opposed end thereofvia a corresponding pivot joint 120. In addition, each gauge wheel arm112 includes an upper arm portion 116 extending generally upward fromthe lower arm portion 114. As will be described below, the upper armportion(s) 116 may engage a furrow depth adjustment system 200 such thatthe relative positioning of the gauge wheel(s) 110 and the frame 102 canbe adjusted.

Furthermore, the row unit 100 includes a seed-dispensing system 122supported on the frame 102. In general, the seed-dispensing system 122is configured to deposit seeds into the furrow formed by the diskopener(s) 108 such that the seeds are spaced apart from each otherwithin the furrow by a predetermined distance. For example, in oneembodiment, the seed-dispensing system 122 includes a hopper 124 coupledto the frame 102 configured to store seeds. In some embodiments, thehopper 124 may receive seeds from the bulk storage tank via thepneumatic distribution system 18. In addition, the seed-dispensingsystem 122 may include a seed meter 126 configured to meter or otherwisedispense seeds from the hopper 124 into a seed tube (not shown) at apredetermined rate. The seeds then fall through the seed tube and intothe furrow such that the seeds are spaced apart by the predetermineddistance.

Additionally, in several embodiments, the row unit 100 may include aclosing assembly 128 supported on the frame 102 aft of the diskopener(s) 108 and the seed tube relative to the direction of travel 14.Specifically, in one embodiment, the furrow closing assembly 128 mayinclude a pair of closing disks 130 (only one of which is shown)positioned relative to each other such that soil flows between the disks130 as the seed-planting implement 10 travels across the field. In thisrespect, the closing disks 130 are configured to close the furrow afterseeds have been deposited therein, such as by collapsing the excavatedsoil into the furrow.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the row unit 100 may include a presswheel assembly 132 supported on the frame 102 aft of the closingassembly 128 relative to the direction of travel 14. Specifically, inseveral embodiments, the press wheel assembly 56 may include a presswheel 134 configured to roll over the closed furrow to firm the soilover the seed and promote favorable seed-to-soil contact.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial, front view of the row unit 100. Asmentioned above, the row unit 100 includes one or more gauge wheels 110adjustably coupled to the frame 102 of the row unit 100 via a gaugewheel arm(s) 112. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the rowunit 100 includes a first gauge wheel 110A adjustably coupled to theframe 102 via a first gauge wheel arm 112A and a second gauge wheel 110Badjustably coupled to the frame 102 via a second gauge wheel arm 112B.However, in alternative embodiments, the row unit 100 may include anyother suitable number of gauge wheels 110 and gauge wheel arms 112, suchas a single gauge 110 adjustably coupled to the frame 102 via a singlegauge wheel arm 112.

Additionally, as mentioned above, the row unit 100 includes a furrowdepth adjustment system 200. In general, the furrow depth adjustmentsystem 200 is configured to adjust the position of the gauge wheel(s)110 relative to the frame 102, thereby adjusting the depth of the furrowbeing formed by the row unit 100. Specifically, as will be describedbelow, the furrow depth adjustment system 200 is configured to pivot thegauge wheel arm(s) 112 relative to the frame 102 to make suchadjustments.

In several embodiments, the furrow depth adjustment system 200 includesa wobble bracket 202. In general, the wobble bracket 202 is configuredto engage gauge wheel arm(s) 112. For example, the wobble bracket 202may be in direct contact with the upper arm portion(s) 116 of the gaugewheel arm(s) 112. As such, linear movement of the wobble bracket 202causes the gauge wheel arm(s) 112 to pivot relative to the frame 102about the pivot joint(s) 118.

The wobble bracket 202 may have any suitable configuration that allowsthe wobble bracket 202 to engage with the gauge wheel arm(s) 112 inmanner that allows for pivoting of the gauge wheel arm(s) 112. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, the wobble bracket 202 includesa base portion 204 and first and second arms 206, 208 extending outwardfrom the base portion 204 in a direction generally perpendicular to thedirection of travel 14. In this respect, the first arm 206 of the wobblebracket 202 is in contact with the upper arm portion 116 of the firstgauge wheel arm 112A. Similarly, the second arm 208 of the wobblebracket 202 is in contact with the upper arm portion 116 of the secondgauge wheel arm 112B. As such, linear movement of the wobble bracket 202simultaneously pivots the first and second gauge wheel arms 112A, 112Brelative to the frame 102 about the corresponding pivot joints 118.

Moreover, the furrow depth adjustment system 200 includes a linkage arm210 coupled to the wobble bracket 202. In this respect, the linkage arm210 is configured to linearly move the wobble bracket 202 relative tothe frame 102 to pivot the gauge wheel arm(s) 112. For example, in oneembodiment, the linkage arm 210 includes a clevis portion 212 configuredto receive the base portion 204 of the wobble bracket 202. Furthermore,in such an embodiment, the clevis portion 212 is pivotably coupled tothe base portion 204 of the wobble bracket 202 via a pin 214. The pin214, in turn, allows the wobble bracket 202 to pivot within the clevisportion 212. However, in alternative embodiments, the linkage arm 210may be coupled to the wobble bracket 202 in any other suitable manner.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the row unit 100.As shown, the wobble bracket 202 is generally positioned at the forwardend of the row unit relative to the direction of travel 14. In thisrespect, the linkage arm 210 generally extends along the length of therow unit 100 (i.e., parallel to the direction of travel 14). As such,the clevis portion 212 of linkage arm 210 is similarly positioned at theforward end of the row unit 100 relative to the direction of travel 14.

The linkage arm 210 may have any suitable construction that allowslinear motion to be transmitted along the length of the row unit 100 tothe wobble bracket 202. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, thelinkage arm 210 includes a center portion 216 coupled to and positionedaft of the clevis portion 212. The center portion 216 of the linkage arm210 may be formed from a pair of parallel, spaced apart side wallmembers 218 (one of which is shown). Additionally, in the illustratedembodiment, the linkage arm 210 includes a coupling block 220 coupled to(e.g., threadingly) and positioned aft of the center portion 216.Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the linkage arm 210 includes arear portion 222 coupled to (e.g., threadingly) and positioned aft ofthe coupling block 220.

In addition, the furrow depth adjustment system 200 includes an actuatorassembly 224 supported on the frame 102 of the row unit 100. In general,the actuator assembly 224 is configured to linearly move the linkage arm210 and the wobble bracket 202 to pivot the gauge wheel arm(s) 112relative to the frame 102 (e.g., to make small adjustments to the furrowdepth). In several embodiments, the actuator assembly 224 includes ahousing (not shown) coupled to the frame 102. The housing may, in turn,be configured to enclose and/or otherwise support one or more componentsof the actuator assembly 224. Specifically, as shown, the actuatorassembly 224 includes an actuator 226 positioned within the housing. Aswill be described below, the actuator 226 (e.g., an electric motor) isconfigured to generate the motion necessary to move the linkage arm 210.Moreover, the actuator assembly 224 includes a gearbox or transmission228 coupled to the actuator 226. Additionally, the actuator assembly 224includes a threaded shaft 230 coupled to the gearbox 228. In thisrespect, the gearbox 228 converts rotation generated by the actuator 226into rotation of the threaded shaft 230 (e.g., at a different speedand/or with a different torque amount). Such rotation of the threadedshaft, in turn, causes the linkage arm 210 to linearly move (e.g., asindicated by arrow 245) in a manner that pivots the gauge wheel arm(s)112.

Furthermore, the furrow depth adjustment system 200 includes a handle231 coupled to the threaded shaft 230. In general, the handle 231 isconfigured to allow an operator to manually adjust the depth of thefurrow being formed by the disk opener(s) 108 (e.g., to make largeadjustments to the furrow depth). More specifically, the handle 231 mayengage at least two of a plurality of detents 276 (FIG. 8 ) of adepth-setting register 244 defined by the frame 102. Thus, the operatorcan change the furrow depth by engaging the handle 231 with differentsets of detents 276. That is, by moving the handle 231 from one pair ofdetents 276 to another pair of detents 276, the linkage arm 210 islinearly moved (e.g., as indicated by the arrow 245) in a manner thatpivots the gauge wheel arm(s) 112.

In general, the actuator assembly 224 is positioned adjacent to the aftend of the row unit 100 relative to the direction of travel 14. Forexample, as shown, the actuator assembly 224 may be positioned on orotherwise supported adjacent to the handle 231. Thus, the threaded shaft230 may generally extend through the handle 231 such that the handle isnon-threadingly coupled to the shaft 230. Such positioning facilitateseasy mounting and installation of the actuator 226 and the gearbox 228on the row unit 100. However, in alternative embodiments, the actuatorassembly 224 may be mounted at any other suitable location of the rowunit 100.

Furthermore, the furrow depth adjustment system 200 includes anactuation assembly 234. In several embodiments, the actuation assembly234 includes a support member 236 coupled to the frame 102 and a hookarm 238 pivotably coupled to the frame 102 and to the linkage arm 210.In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , the support member may supportthe actuator assembly 224 adjacent to the handle 231. Additionally, insuch embodiments, the actuation assembly 234 includes a collar 240threadingly coupled to the threaded shaft 230 and an actuation arm 242pivotably coupled to the hook arm 238 and to the collar 240. As will bedescribed below, the actuation assembly 234 is configured to convertrotation of the threaded shaft 230 into linear motion (e.g., asindicated by arrow 245) of the linkage arm 210.

FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged view of the embodiment of the actuationassembly 234 shown in FIG. 4 , with the actuator 226, the gearbox 228,and the handle 231 removed for clarity. More specifically, as shown, thesupport member 236 is configured to couple to and/or support one or morecomponents of the actuation assembly 234 relative to the frame 102 andthe actuator assembly 224. In this respect, the support member 236 maybe pivotably coupled to the frame 102 at a connection point 262. Thus,pivoting of the support member 236 (e.g., via the handle 231) may alsopivot the components supported thereon.

Furthermore, as indicated above, the hook arm 238 of the actuationassembly 234 may be coupled between the frame 102 and the rear portion222 of the linkage arm 210. More specifically, in several embodiments,the hook arm 238 includes a first end 246 and a second end 248 opposedto the first end 246. As such, the first end 246 of the hook arm 238 iscoupled to the rear portion 222 of the linkage arm 210. Additionally,the second end 248 of the hook arm 238 is coupled to the support member236 at pivot joint 260. Thus, the first end 246 of the hook arm 238 isconfigured to pivot relative to the frame 102.

Referring to FIG. 6 , and as mentioned above, the first end 246 of thehook arm 238 is coupled to the rear portion 222 of the linkage arm 210.Specifically, in such embodiments, the rear portion 222 of the linkagearm 210 includes first and second side wall members 249, 250 spacedapart from each other in a width-wise direction (indicated by arrow 252in FIG. 6 ) of the linkage arm 210. The width-wise direction 252, inturn, generally extends perpendicular to the direction of travel 14.Moreover, the rear portion 222 of the linkage arm 210 includes aconnection rod 254 extending with the width-wise direction 252 betweenthe first and second side wall members 249, 250 to couple the first andsecond side wall members 249, 250 together. As will be described below,the first end 246 of the hook arm 238 may directly couple to theconnection rod 254.

As shown, the first end 246 of the hook arm 238 forms a hook 256 thatdirectly couples to the linkage arm 210. Specifically, in severalembodiments, the hook 256 of the hook arm 238 is directly coupled to theconnection rod 254. For example, in some embodiments, the hook 256 wrapsaround a portion of an outer surface 258 of the connection rod 254 suchthat the hook 256 is in direct contact with the outer surface 258 of theconnection rod 254. In this respect, the hook 256 (and the first end 246of the hook arm 238 in general) may be positioned between the first andsecond side wall members 249, 250 of the linkage arm 210 in thewidth-wise direction 252.

Referring again to FIG. 5 , as mentioned above, the actuation arm 242 iscoupled between the hook arm 238 and the collar 240. More specifically,as shown, in some embodiments, one end of the actuation arm 242 iscoupled to the hook arm 238 at a pivot joint 264. The pivot joint 264is, in turn, positioned between the first and second ends 246, 248 ofthe hook arm 238. Moreover, the opposed end of the actuation arm 242 iscoupled to the collar 240 at a pivot joint 266. Thus, as will bedescribed below, the actuation arm 242 converts movement of the collar240 along the threaded shaft 230 into pivoting of the hook arm 238relative to the frame 102.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the collar 240 is threadingly coupled to thethreaded shaft 230. More specifically, the threaded shaft 230 includes ashaft body 268 having threads 270 extending helically around the shaftbody 268. For example, in some embodiment, the threads 270 areconfigured as acme threads. However, in other embodiments, any othersuitable type of threads may be used. Moreover, the collar 240 maydefine a threaded passage 272 extending therethrough. As such, thethreaded shaft 230 may threadingly engage the threaded passage 272 ofthe collar 240. In this respect, rotation of the threaded shaft 230(indicated by arrow 274 in FIG. 7 ) may cause pivotable motion of theactuation arm 242 and the hook arm 238, which, in turn, may result inlinear motion of the linkage arm 210 (indicated by the arrow 245 in FIG.4 ).

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, the threadedshaft 230 may extend through the depth-setting register 244 of the rowunit 100. More specifically, as mentioned above, the rear portion of theframe 102 of the row unit 100 may define the depth-setting register 244used to manually adjust the depth of the furrow being formed by the rowunit 100. For example, the handle 231 may be coupled to the threadedshaft 230 such that the handle 231 can pivot the threaded shaft 230relative to the frame 102. As such, the depth-setting register 244 mayinclude a plurality of depth detents 276 into which the handle 231 canbe manually positioned by an operator (e.g., to make large furrow depthadjustments). Moreover, the threaded shaft 230 may extend through thedepth-setting register 244 and the handle 231 such that the actuatorassembly 224 is supported adjacent to the handle 231. Thus, the furrowdepth can be adjusted automatically via the actuator 226 or manually viathe handle 231. Such a configuration eliminates the need to redesign theframe 102 when installing the actuator assembly 224.

As indicated above, the furrow depth adjustment system 200 is configuredto automatically adjust the depth of the furrow being formed by the rowunit 100 by adjusting the position of the gauge wheel(s) 110 relative tothe frame 102. More specifically, and as best illustrated in FIG. 4 , toadjust the furrow depth, the actuator 226 rotates the threaded shaft 230via the gearbox 228. The rotation of the threaded shaft 230 causes thecollar 240 to move along the length of the threaded shaft 230. Theactuation arm 242 converts movement of the collar 240 along the threadedshaft 230 into pivoting of the hook arm 238 relative to the frame 102.Such pivoting of the hook arm 238 results in linear movement of thelinkage arm 210 and the wobble bracket 202. Such automatic adjustmentsmay be suitable for small furrow depth adjustments. Alternatively,during manual adjustment of the furrow depth (e.g., for large furrowdepth adjustments), movement of the handle 231 from one set of detents276 to another set of detents 231 results in the pivoting of the supportmember 236 and the hook arm 238 relative to the frame 102, which causeslinear movement of the linkage arm 210 and the wobble bracket 202. Thelinear movement of the wobble bracket 202, in turn, pivots the gaugewheel arm(s) 112 about the pivot joint(s) 118 relative to the frame 102of the row unit 100. Such pivoting of the gauge wheel arm(s) 112relative to the frame 102 adjusts the position of the gauge wheel(s) 110relative to the frame 102, thereby adjusting the depth of the furrowbeing formed by the disk opener(s) 108 of the row unit 100.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the furrow depth adjustmentsystem 200. More specifically, the furrow depth adjustment system 200 ofFIG. 9 is configured similarly to the furrow depth adjustment system 200shown in FIGS. 4-8 . For example, like the furrow depth adjustmentsystem 200 of FIGS. 4-8 , the furrow depth adjustment system 200 of FIG.9 includes the wobble bracket 202, the linkage arm 210, the handle 231,and the actuation assembly 234. Moreover, like the furrow depthadjustment system 200 of FIGS. 4-8 , the actuation assembly 234 shown inFIG. 9 includes the hook arm 238 having the hook 256 coupled to the rearportion 222 of the linkage arm 210.

However, unlike the furrow depth adjustment system 200 of FIGS. 4-8 ,the furrow depth adjustment system 200 shown in FIG. 9 includes a shaft316 pivotably coupled to the frame 102 at one end via a pivot joint 318,with the opposing end extending through the depth-setting register 244.Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the second end 248 of thehook arm 238 is similarly pivotably coupled to the frame 102 at thepivot joint 318. In alternative embodiments, the shaft 316 and the hookarm 238 may be pivotably coupled to the frame 102 via different pivotjoints. Additionally, the handle 231 is coupled to the shaft 316 suchthat movement of the handle 231 from one pair of detents 276 to anotherpair of detents 276 pivots the shaft 316 relative to the frame 102.

Moreover, unlike the furrow depth adjustment system 200 of FIGS. 4-8 ,in the furrow depth adjustment system 200 shown in FIG. 9 , theactuation assembly 234 includes first and second actuation arms 320,322. More specifically, the first and second actuation arms 320, 322 arecoupled to the hook arm 234 at a common pivot joint 324. Additionally,the first and second actuation arms 320, 322 are slidably coupled to theshaft 316 at different locations along its length such that the firstand second actuation arms 320, 322 define a V-shape. In this respect,the first and second actuation arms 320, 322 transmit the pivoting ofthe shaft 316 relative to the frame 102 into pivoting of the hook arm234 relative to the frame 102, which, in turn, causes linear movement ofthe linkage arm 210.

In addition, unlike the furrow depth adjustment system 200 of FIGS. 4-8, in the furrow depth adjustment system 200 shown in FIG. 9 , theactuation assembly 234 includes an actuator 326, such as an electricmotor and associated gearbox or an electric linear actuator. In general,the actuator 326 is configured to move the first and second actuationarms 320, 322 relative to each other, thereby pivoting the hook arm 234relative to the frame 102. More specifically, the actuator 326 may becoupled to the first and second actuation arms 320, 322 between the hookarm 234 and the shaft 316 relative to the direction of travel 14. Thus,by moving the first and second actuation arms 320, 322 relative to eachother (with the shaft 316 being fixed relative to the framer 102 via thehandle 231 engaged the depth-setting register 244), the hook arm 234 ispivoted relative to the frame 102. In this respect, and as mentionedabove, such pivoting of the hook arm 234, in turn, causes linearmovement of the linkage arm 210 and the associated adjustment of thedepth of the furrow being formed by the disk opener(s) 108.

FIG. 10 illustrates a further embodiment of the furrow depth adjustmentsystem 200. More specifically, the furrow depth adjustment system 200 ofFIG. 10 is configured similarly to the furrow depth adjustment system200 shown in FIGS. 4-8 . For example, like the furrow depth adjustmentsystem 200 of FIGS. 4-8 , the furrow depth adjustment system 200 of FIG.10 includes the wobble bracket 202, the linkage arm 210, the actuatorassembly 224, the handle 231, and the actuation assembly 234. Moreover,like the furrow depth adjustment system 200 of FIGS. 4-8 , the actuationassembly 234 shown in FIG. 9 includes the hook arm 238 having the hook256 coupled to the rear portion 222 of the linkage arm 210.

However, unlike the furrow depth adjustment system 200 of FIGS. 4-8 ,the furrow depth adjustment system 200 shown in FIG. 9 includes asupport member 328 that is pivotably coupled to the frame 102 at thepivot joint 262. Moreover, the second end 248 of the hook arm 238 ispivotably coupled to the support member 328 at 260. In addition, thesupport member 328 includes an arm 330 on which the handle 231 ismounted. Thus, in the furrow depth adjustment system 200 shown in FIG. 9, the handle 231 is mounted separately from the threaded shaft 230.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11 , in some embodiments, the threadedshaft 230 and the arm 330 of the support member 328 may separatelyextend through the depth-setting register 244 of the row unit 100. Forexample, the handle 231 may be coupled to the arm 330 such that thehandle 231 can pivot the support member 328 relative to the frame 102.As such, the handle 231 can be manually positioned by an operator (e.g.,to make large furrow depth adjustments). Thus, the furrow depth can beadjusted automatically via the actuator 226 or manually via the handle231.

This written description uses examples to disclose the technology,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the technology, including making and using any devicesor systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scopeof the technology is defined by the claims, and may include otherexamples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples areintended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structuralelements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, orif they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantialdifferences from the literal language of the claims.

1. A row unit for a seed-planting implement, the row unit comprising: aframe; a disk opener rotatably coupled to the frame, the disk openerconfigured to form a furrow within a field across which theseed-planting implement is traveling; a gauge wheel arm pivotablycoupled to the frame; a gauge wheel rotatably coupled to the gauge wheelarm, the gauge wheel configured to roll along a surface of the field; awobble bracket configured to engage the gauge wheel arm; a linkage armcoupled to the wobble bracket; an actuator configured to move thelinkage arm relative to the frame in a manner that adjusts a position ofthe gauge wheel relative to the frame; a gearbox coupled to theactuator; a threaded shaft coupled to the gearbox; a handle coupled tothe linkage arm; and an actuation assembly coupled between the linkagearm and the threaded shaft such that the actuation assembly transmitsrotation of the threaded shaft into linear motion of the linkage arm,the actuation assembly comprising: a hook arm having a first end and asecond end opposed to the first end, the first end forming a hook thatdirectly couples to the linkage arm, the second end being pivotablerelative to the frame; and a collar threadingly coupled to the threadedshaft.
 2. The row unit of claim 1, wherein movement of the collar alongthe threaded shaft causes pivoting of the hook arm relative to theframe.
 3. The row unit of claim 2, wherein the actuation assemblyfurther comprises: an actuation arm pivotably coupled to the hook armand the collar such that the actuation arm transmits the movement of thecollar along the threaded shaft into the pivoting of the hook armrelative to the frame.
 4. The row unit of claim 1, further comprising: asupport member pivotably coupled to the frame and pivotably coupled tothe second end of the hook arm.
 5. The row unit of claim 4, wherein thehandle is coupled to the support member such that movement of the handlerelative to the frame pivots the support member, the actuator, thegearbox, and the threaded shaft relative to the frame.
 6. The row unitof claim 5, wherein the threaded shaft extends through the handle. 7.The row unit of claim 1, wherein the linkage arm comprises: a first sidewall member; a second side wall member spaced apart from the first sidewall member in a width-wise direction of the linkage arm; and aconnection rod extending with the width-wise direction between the firstand second side wall members.
 8. The row unit of claim 7, wherein thehook is directly coupled to the connection rod.
 9. The row unit of claim8, wherein the hook wraps around a portion of an outer surface of theconnection rod.
 10. The row unit of claim 9, wherein the hook ispositioned between the first and second side wall members in thewidth-wise direction.
 11. The row unit of claim 1, wherein the collardefines a threaded passage configured to threadingly receive thethreaded shaft.
 12. The row unit of claim 1, wherein the frame defines adepth-setting register including a plurality of depth detents such thatthe handle is configured to engage a pair of the plurality of depthdetents, the threaded shaft extending through the depth-settingregister.
 13. The row unit of claim 12, wherein the handle is coupled toa support member pivotably coupled to the frame.
 14. A seed-plantingimplement, comprising: a toolbar; and a plurality of row units coupledto the toolbar, each row unit comprising: a frame; a disk openerrotatably coupled to the frame, the disk opener configured to form afurrow within a field across which the seed-planting implement istraveling; a gauge wheel arm pivotably coupled to the frame; a gaugewheel rotatably coupled to the gauge wheel arm, the gauge wheelconfigured to roll along a surface of the field; a wobble bracketconfigured to engage the gauge wheel arm; a linkage arm coupled to thewobble bracket; an actuator configured to move the linkage arm relativeto the frame in a manner that adjusts a position of the gauge wheelrelative to the frame; a gearbox coupled to the actuator; a threadedshaft coupled to the gearbox; a handle coupled to the linkage arm; andan actuation assembly coupled between the linkage arm and the threadedshaft such that the actuation assembly transmits rotation of thethreaded shaft into linear motion of the linkage arm, the actuationassembly comprising: a hook arm having a first end and a second endopposed to the first end, the first end forming a hook that directlycouples to the linkage arm, the second end being pivotable relative tothe frame; and a collar threadingly coupled to the threaded shaft. 15.The seed-planting implement of claim 14, wherein movement of the collaralong the threaded shaft causes pivoting of the hook arm relative to theframe.
 16. The seed-planting implement of claim 15, wherein theactuation assembly further comprises: an actuation arm pivotably coupledto the hook arm and the collar such that the actuation arm transmits themovement of the collar along the threaded shaft into the pivoting of thehook arm relative to the frame.
 17. The seed-planting implement of claim15, further comprising: a support member pivotably coupled to the frameand pivotably coupled to the second end of the hook arm.
 18. Theseed-planting implement of claim 17, wherein the handle is coupled tothe support member such that movement of the handle relative to theframe pivots the support member, the actuator, the gearbox, and thethreaded shaft relative to the frame.
 19. The seed-planting implement ofclaim 18, wherein the threaded shaft extends through the handle.
 20. Theseed-planting implement of claim 14, wherein the linkage arm comprises:a first side wall member; a second side wall member spaced apart fromthe first side wall member in a width-wise direction of the linkage arm;and a connection rod extending with the width-wise direction between thefirst and second side wall members.